The cartilaginous skeleton of the skull, especially in embryos or in animals like sharks that have cartilage instead of bone.
From Greek 'chondros' (cartilage) + Latin 'cranium' (skull). This term specifically refers to the complete cartilaginous structure that forms the skull framework.
Sharks and rays have a permanent chondrocranium—their skulls never turn into bone—which is why they've been thriving in oceans for over 450 million years; their flexible, lightweight skeletons are perfectly adapted to ocean life.
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